Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has warned against the swift abolition of the double-track system, cautioning that a sudden end could have lasting effects on students’ futures.
His comments come in response to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which has pledged to eliminate the double-track system if elected in the 2024 elections.
Dr. Adutwum emphasized that any phase-out of the system should be strategic, beginning with the expansion of facilities to accommodate more students.
He pointed out that the government has already made strides through the Ministry of Education by constructing additional accommodation facilities in various schools and gradually reducing the double-track system, with plans to extend this approach to more institutions.
Dr. Adutwum underscored that terminating the double-track system solely for political reasons could lead to further educational challenges.
“When the concept of the double track was introduced in Ghana, it was to meet the increased demand in enrolment in our High Schools, especially the category A schools. So, it will surprise you to know that a number of the schools are no longer double-double track, even those schools with double track, we have transition calendars.
“A school like Tamale Senior School (SHS) is no longer double-track, in fact, we’re working for Opoku Ware Senior High School, and it’s likely that it will not be double-track this coming academic year. Because the government had built more facilities there”.
Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum
He further noted that eliminating the double-track system at schools like Prempeh College and Presec will not create any additional spaces for students. “Do we cancel it in the name of politics and push 1,500 students away from Opoku Ware? It’s our choice, but that choice is disastrous”.
He asserted that if the NDC abolishes the double-track system, 1,500 students who are set to enroll this year will not have available spots and therefore will be unable to attend.
Adutwum Defends Education Progress Amid Criticism of Decline
Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum further addressed critics who argue that education under the current government has declined, stating that the facts in the sector tell a different story.
He pointed out that the significant transformation the education sector has experienced over the past seven years deserves recognition and should be continued by the government.
He expressed disappointment that political figures often overlook the achievements of their opponents, despite their obvious and meaningful impact, due to partisanship. “I think it is wrong for anybody to say that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has rather destroyed education in Ghana”.
He stressed the importance of embracing a new political culture in Ghana, one that acknowledges and builds upon the successes of others rather than undermining them for political gain.
The Minister noted that for the first time in the country’s history, high schools will offer courses in fields such as aviation, aerospace, robotics, and engineering, among others.
“This is the kind of transformation going on in our education sector and I want us to unite as a nation and do something better for ourselves and that is what we are doing at the Ministry to improve learning outcomes”.
“These are the kind of school environment we are trying to create to facilitate effective teaching and learning where teachers will own and manage their classrooms”.
Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum
The Minister announced that new classroom designs are being implemented across the country in both basic and senior high schools as part of an initiative to enhance the educational infrastructure.
He highlighted that these modern classrooms will be equipped with advanced facilities, including well-equipped science and ICT laboratories.
According to the Minister of Education, these upgrades aim to provide both teachers and students with the best possible environment for academic work.
This initiative, he noted, is part of a broader commitment to improving educational standards and ensuring that students have access to the resources necessary for their academic success.
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